TAFE stays strong with contract win

NORTH Coast TAFE has won a contract for 'significant business' under the NSW Government's new, more competitive approach to training that begins next year.

The new contract, known as 'Smart & Skilled', covers training subsidised by the NSW Government from 2015.

The Institute Director of North Coast TAFE, Elizabeth McGregor, says the success with their tender means that North Coast TAFE will continue to be here, relevant and thriving on the North Coast.

'We will be able to offer an exciting range of programs that help people get the skills they need for the job they want," Ms McGregor said.

"There will still be generous concessions for many people living in our region, and - for those who need to pay - there'll continue to be options for periodic payments as well as HECS-style loans for other courses outside this contract.

"With the significant business arising from this contract - along with this year's all-time record level of 50,000 enrolments and significant growth in online delivery through our strategic partnerships - we have an excellent platform to compete in 2015 and beyond."

Ms McGregor said North Coast TAFE's planning has factored in a range of income streams and scenarios and emphasised that the Smart and Skilled contract is but one element of their planning.

"Our focus continues to be to grow our revenue through multiple contracts, partnerships and business arrangements and to expand our services here within the North Coast - and further afield," she said.

Ms McGregor added that although exact details about the dollar value of the contract and other business factors were commercial-in-confidence, she could confirm that it was broadly in line with expectations.

"So it's all systems go for us," she said.

"We will continue to focus on giving our learners high quality learning experiences and we'll announce further developments in 2015."

The Government is changing vocational education in NSW through the Smart and Skilled reform, which commences on January 1. The reforms are part of a nation-wide agreement for consistent skills training throughout Australia.